Friday, September 28, 2012

Flashback Friday: 1972, Join Hands...

It's been a long time since I posted a Flashback Friday. Here's one of my favorite tunes, "Love Train" by The O'Jays, being featured on a classic episode of Soul Train. Don't you just want to get up and dance when you hear this song? Every time I see the Coors Light commercials that also use "Love Train", I get abnormally excited and can't help but smile.















Quoteworthy

Someday, I hope I'm half as cool as this lady. I just adore the way she thinks.

"I just say things that are on my mind; sometimes, they seem to be inflammatory to a certain portion of the population. I don't know why." -Ellen Barkin















Now Playing: "Let Me Take You Out" by Class Actress

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Luxe Living: Halloween Decor & Inspiration





























Next to Christmas and often times, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween is my favorite holiday! Fall is usually the most beautiful time of the year where I live. I love decorating, dressing up and getting into the spirit of things.

I think it's really cool that Halloween is unlike the rest of the holidays. It gives people a chance to get creative, let loose and touch base with a darker side of life that they perhaps don't think about often enough. I'm into everything paranormal, so I really love Halloween!

When I was younger, I was terrified of haunted houses and couldn't get through a scary movie. I was over dressing up by the time I was 10. But as I got older, I really started to get into everything Halloween-esque. As an adult, I count The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) as one of my favorite movies. I look forward to visiting the best haunted houses and creating costumes is one of my most enjoyed activities.  

This year, I'm going to see the Long Island Medium and may also get a chance to visit Salem, MA- something I've wanted to do since I was young. The house pictured above is located there and was featured in Hocus Pocus. I read that it's actually a museum. Maybe I'll get to see it in person. If I dress up this year, I'll probably go with something simple. If I ever get married or find a serious boyfriend, I have about 100 couples' costume ideas that work perfectly for a redhead! Things to look forward to...                             














Now Playing: "Creep" by Radiohead

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Pinterest Monthly: September 2012

Last month, I posted about my obsession with Pinterest.  Each week, I was going to share some of the pins that I appreciated the most. After some thought, I decided that weekly is a bit much. Instead, I'll try and share my favorites on a monthly basis. Enjoy!



This image has been on my Street Style board for a long time but I've seen it posted quite a lot by others. I absolutely love this outfit- everything from the colors, cut and texture. Perfect fall inspiration!


This home library with a bar cart has me dreaming of what my future home will hopefully look like. The chaise lounges are also amazing.


Better late than never. The Tudors on Netflix is my new obsession. I'm fascinated by this era in history and feel a strong connection to it. A talented psychic once read me and said that I was British royalty in a past life. When I see this show, or read about this time period, I can feel myself there. When I was younger, I had a big crush on Jonathan Rhys Meyers. I think this show might have sparked some old feelings and maybe some past life regression.


Speaking of reading about history, this book caught my eye. I haven't read it yet but it's about mysticism in 16th and 17th century England. Since a very young age, I've always been drawn to the occult. This book talks about how differently people viewed the world in terms of magic, the supernatural and religion.


Another book I'm excited to delve into is by the infamous psychic twins. I love their energy. If you are unfamiliar with their work, do a quick search on Google or YouTube. They consider themselves to be one soul inhabiting two bodies.



I saw this sweater through Forever 21's pin. It reminded me a lot of the more expensive sweaters I've seen online but of course at an affordable price. I thought it was edgy but simple so I picked it up for fall/winter.


This made me laugh. Now, I want to hear what the record actually sounds like.


I love celebrating friends and family members' birthdays. 1/2 birthdays don't get enough love. I thought this idea was really cute and I plan to do it!


I LOVE this idea for St. Patrick's Day! I also think it would be great for Christmas with a tree cookie cutter (the options are endless). Either use a regular tortilla with some food coloring or use a spinach tortilla, bake and voila!


I really liked this quote from Ellen DeGeneres' book Seriously... I'm Kidding.





















Now Playing: "Dance On Our Graves" by Paper Route

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Random Questions

I'm about to finish the first season finale of The Tudors on Netflix (in love with this show!) then listen to some Friday night Coast to Coast AM. But before I get into that, I thought I'd kill some time with some introspection... a questionnaire, of course. One of the things I miss most about journalism is asking questions. So, I resort to answering my own. Here are some random ones I found via a quick search on tumblr:


Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?
Yes, you would think I was a product of the Great Depression. I rarely even use them. I'll end up giving them to my Mom or sending them to the nursing home.

Where is your next vacation?
Going on a quick trip to Columbia, MD for Free Fest then Nashville a few days later for our annual Steelers away trip! I also might be going to Boston the week after Halloween- hope I can see Salem & all the witch trial attractions!

What is your “Song of the Week”?
Since Summer is over, "Senseless" by Portugal. The Man. I'm getting so excited to see them at Free Fest! It's been too long!

What's your favorite love movie?
Before Sunrise, Titanic or The Notebook. I love all three. Of course, there are many others. I'm such a girl.

What do you drink with dinner?
Depends on what, when and where I'm eating. Usually water, lemonade, Sprite/Ginger Ale, Diet Coke, beer or wine.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Clueless, Father of the Bride, Steel Magnolias, Old School, Sixteen Candles, Teen Witch... there's a lot.

Favorite kind of sandwich?
Grilled Pepper Jack Cheese Sandwich... mmm! Also tastes great with a dash of cheddar or American cheese in the mix.

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Halloween 1989. My Dad made these pair of dice costumes for my sister and me. One of my earliest memories. I'm surprised this getup didn't give me permanent claustrophobia. I remember being terrified I was going to suffocate!





Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Elle, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Whirl (Pittsburgh), Health and Details (I somehow get it sent to me for free). I used to be obsessed with my magazines but the internet makes everything seem so dated.

Dance in the shower?
If I'm in a really cheerful mood, excited about where I'm going and a good song comes on. 

Ever used a gun?
No. I hate guns.

Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Yes. With the exception of The Wizard of Oz.

Own any record albums?
Yes. Long before I used cassette tapes, CDs or MP3s, I equated music with my parents' old records. Most of my stuff is oldies (thrift stores in Pittsburgh are gold mines) with a few  contemporary favorites but I'm starting to build up a decent collection.

Ever won a spelling bee?
All the time, back in grade school. I definitely excelled at spelling.

Are you patient?
Yes. I'd say so.

Ever had plastic surgery?
No. Trying to go the "age gracefully" route.

Who was your High School crush?
Other than my boyfriends? If you're talking about 'celebrities'... hmm... I think I had a thing for Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty (my first concert). One of my exes actually reminded me a bit of him.

Spring or Fall?
FALL!!!!! I love everything about this time of year. It's idyllic for me. 

Summer or Winter?
Winter! I hate the heat and humidity of the summer. I love the fresh air, watching the snow fall, clothes, Christmas, my birthday, Super Bowl... there's so much more magic!

Have a favorite lyric? 
Not necessarily but here's some that I really like from TVOTR's "Wolf Like Me"...

Dream me, oh dreamer
Down to the floor
Open my hands and let them
Weave onto yours

Feel me, completer
Down to my core
Open my heart and let it
Bleed onto yours

Feeding on fever
Down on all fours
Show you what all the
Howl is for














Now Playing: "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Seasonal Selections

Fall 2012 Favorites



1. Red Wine. I love wine all year 'round but there's no denying that fall is one of the best times to enjoy a bottle. I also love seasonal beers like Oktoberfest.

2. Bordeaux Lips. (Shown: Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in 016 Bordeaux). Why not pair a wine-colored lip with your drink? I love this trend right now!

3. Neutral Nail Polish- Browns, Taupes, Tans. (Shown OPI Wooden Shoe Like to Know?). I love wearing neutral nail polishes in the fall. It complements my fair skin beautifully and goes with just about everything.

4. Cozy Sweaters! I love an over-sized turtleneck on chilly fall days. I think it looks so elegant and love how comfortable they are.

5. Scarfs! (Shown: Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard Scarf. I found mine on eBay). I love a touch of animal print in the fall but just about any scarf gets an A in my book.

6. Knitted Head Warmer. For when it gets extra cool outside, I think these trendy headpieces are adorable. You can purchase the item shown through Etsy by clicking here.

7. Leather Gloves. A must have in classic black and brown.

8. Lennon Style Shades. I'm on board with this vintage-inspired trend. Why pay hundreds when you can get the look for less? I never splurge on sunglasses. I found mine on eBay for less than $10.

9. Dark Wash Skinny Jeans. Black is always a good choice and goes with everything.

10. Yo La Tengo's "Autumn Sweater." When the leaves start to change, this song goes on repeat.

11. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. My favorite book of all-time. I'm going to read this again after Thanksgiving to gear up for the movie! I recently re-watched the Redford version and I'm getting super excited to see Leo's take on Jay Gatsby!

12. Lace-up Booties. I love a heel but high heels are completely unnecessary and ridiculous for my lifestyle. I am obsessed with booties because they are so comfortable, give me a few inches, keep me warm and go perfectly with my wardrobe.

13. Vintage Chanel Bag. When I got my first paycheck at my first job after college, as a treat to myself, I bought a vintage Chanel bag. It looks similar to the one pictured above. I don't wear it often but fall is my favorite time of the year to work it into my wardrobe.

14. Candles! Pumpkins, leaves, you name it. I appreciate burning seasonal, scented candles during this time of year. It makes the entire house smell amazing!

















Now Playing: "Port of Morrow" by The Shins

Saturday, September 15, 2012

It's the Steez, B'z!



Here's my Pittsburgh Steelers showing off their fierce bumble bee  throwback uniforms! At first, I thought these jerseys were a tad ridiculous but I quickly reminded myself that I love things that aren't commonplace. The unis are inspired by the 1934 team (then, called the Pirates). The Steelers are celebrating their 80th season this year!



















Now Playing: "The Boys of Fall" by Kenny Chesney

Friday, September 14, 2012

Grace Kelly 1929-1982



"I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others." 

Many people my age know Grace Kelly for her iconic beauty, acting career or infamous royal wedding. Few  know how intelligent, witty and articulate she was.

Grace passed away a few years before I was born but I recently watched the last interview she gave (two months prior to her untimely death) to Pierre Salinger. She wasn't in her prime physically speaking but nevertheless she was still beautiful. What surprised me most was how mesmerized I was by her demeanor, voice and intellect. It was evident that she was a very interesting person with a unique perspective on the world.

I appreciate people who are true individuals. Grace Kelly was this.


Part 1/6 of the last interview with Grace Kelly:













Now Playing: "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Screenshots: Something's Gotta Give

Last night, I was curled up in bed with three of my greatest loves: my dog, Ireland, my cat, Sasha, and my laptop. I was in the mood for a lighthearted romantic comedy. On Netflix, I selected Nancy Meyers' Something's Gotta Give. It had been years since my last viewing but I remembered how much I loved the decor of the sets. And who could ever resist Diane Keaton? She's one of my all-time favorite leading ladies!

In the directing world, Meyers is known for her meticulous attention to detail; filming as many takes and angles as it requires to get the look she's going for. In Something's Gotta Give, her diligence paid off. Here are some screenshots of her beautifully shot film.



































Now Playing: "La Temps de l'Amour" ("The Time for Love") by Francoise Hardy

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!